Getting a mobility scooter through the front door is often the first practical hurdle for a new owner. Steps, narrow doorways and a lack of level access can make even a compact scooter awkward to use at home. A Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is a means-tested council grant for changes to a home, and GOV.UK lists ramps and wider doors among the examples. The grant is not available in Scotland, and the amounts differ between the other nations.
What the grant can be used for
GOV.UK explains that a grant from the council is available to a disabled person who needs to make changes to their home. Its examples of what an applicant might need to do include:
- widen doors and install ramps or grab rails;
- improve access to rooms and facilities, for example with a stairlift or level access shower;
- improve access to the garden;
- build an extension, such as a downstairs bedroom;
- provide a heating system suitable for the person’s needs; and
- adapt heating or lighting controls to make them easier to use.
For scooter users, ramps, wider doors and better garden access are the items most closely connected to getting a scooter in and out of the home. GOV.UK does not describe the grant as a scooter grant and does not list scooter storage or charging as an example, so whether a particular scooter-related change qualifies is a matter for the council’s assessment.
How much can be applied for
GOV.UK’s "What you’ll get" page sets out the maximum by country:
- England: up to £30,000.
- Wales: up to £36,000.
- Northern Ireland: up to £25,000.
- Scotland: Disabled Facilities Grants are not available; the page points to support for equipment and adaptations instead.
GOV.UK adds that some councils may give more, and that depending on income the applicant may need to pay towards the cost of the work. These are the figures shown on the GOV.UK page at the time of writing and are the maximum, not a typical award.
How income and savings affect the amount
How much a person gets usually depends on household income and on household savings over £6,000, according to GOV.UK. Disabled children under 18 can get a grant without their parents’ income being taken into account. Landlords can also get a grant without their income and savings being taken into account, although the council may ask for the property to be let to another disabled person if the current tenant moves within five years. A DFG does not affect any benefits the person receives.
Who is eligible
GOV.UK states that the person applying, or someone else living in the house, must be disabled and must intend to live in the property during the grant period, which is usually five years but can be shorter, for example if the person is terminally ill. The applicant must be the owner, tenant or landlord. The council also needs to be satisfied that the work is necessary and appropriate to meet the disabled person’s needs, and reasonable and practicable given the age and condition of the property. Work should be completed within 12 months of the grant being approved.
The page lists a range of situations that may apply, including physical disability, a learning disability, age-related needs, autism, a cognitive impairment such as dementia, a progressive condition and a mental health condition. Owning or wanting a scooter is not itself an eligibility test; the council assesses the underlying need.
How to apply
Application is through the local council, which may send an occupational therapist or trained assessor to see the applicant and assess the changes needed. The council must give a decision within six months. GOV.UK says the government funds an organisation called Foundations that can help with applying. An applicant who is unhappy with a decision can appeal to the council and, if still dissatisfied, complain to the Local Government Ombudsman.
Two cautions before any work starts
GOV.UK warns twice that a person might not get any grant if they start work on the property before the council approves the application, so ordering a ramp before approval risks losing the funding. It also states that planning permission and building regulations approval must be applied for separately, and that the council may ask for a qualified architect or surveyor to plan and oversee the work, with the grant able to contribute towards their fees.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a grant if I live in Scotland? GOV.UK states that Disabled Facilities Grants are not available in Scotland and directs readers to information on support for equipment and adaptations.
Will a grant reduce my benefits? GOV.UK states that a Disabled Facilities Grant will not affect any benefits received.
Can I apply again later? GOV.UK says another grant can be applied for on the same property if needed, for example if a person’s condition changes.
Does this cover the scooter itself? The GOV.UK guide describes grants for changes to the home, not for buying equipment. Funding routes for the scooter are explained in the site’s guides to NHS funding and the Motability Scheme.
The bottom line
A Disabled Facilities Grant is a means-tested council grant that can pay for changes such as ramps and wider doors: up to £30,000 in England, £36,000 in Wales and £25,000 in Northern Ireland, and not available in Scotland. Applicants should apply to the council first, wait for approval before starting work and allow up to six months for a decision.
Sources
- GOV.UK, "Disabled Facilities Grants: Overview"
- GOV.UK, "Disabled Facilities Grants: What you’ll get"
- GOV.UK, "Disabled Facilities Grants: Eligibility"
- GOV.UK, "Disabled Facilities Grants: How to apply"